A classic vitola from the legendary Montecristo portfolio, the Montecristo No.1 remains one of the most recognizable and revered formats available today. Classified as a regular production cigar, this classic Cuban smoke has been delighting aficionados since its introduction prior to 1960, making it one of the brand's most enduring offerings. The cigar represents the quintessential Montecristo smoking experience that helped establish the marque's worldwide reputation for excellence.
Vitola Specifications
| Factory Name | Cervantes |
| Ring Gauge | 42 |
| Length | 165 mm (6½″) |
| Official Weight | 10.80 g |
| Construction | Handmade |
| Status | Current Production |
| Release Date | Pre-1960 |
Bands and Packaging
The Montecristo No.1 features the brand's standard band configuration, incorporating bands A, B, C, and D throughout its production history. This iconic banding system has become synonymous with quality Cuban tobacco and remains instantly recognizable to cigar enthusiasts worldwide.
Over the decades, this vitola has been offered in numerous packaging formats:
- Dress box of 25 cigars (current)
- Dress box of 10 cigars (discontinued in 2017)
- Slide lid box of 25 cigars in cellophane (discontinued circa 1970s)
- Slide lid box of 50 cigars (discontinued circa 1970s)
- Aluminium pack of 10 cigars
- Cellophane wrapped bundle of 25 cigars
- Dress box of 25 cigars in cellophane
- Aluminium pack of 25 cigars
- Dress box of 50 cigars containing 10 aluminium tins of 5 cigars each
- Cajón of 100 cigars
Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes
Based on 97 enthusiast reviews, the Montecristo No.1 earns an overall rating of 3.84 out of 5, with particularly strong marks for balance (4/5). The cigar demonstrates moderate strength (3/5) with corresponding scores in elegance, complexity, and aftertaste (3/5 each), suggesting a well-rounded smoking experience that neither overwhelms nor underwhelms.
The flavor profile reveals a rich tapestry of tasting notes, with the following characteristics most frequently identified by smokers:
- Primary Notes: Cocoa (32 mentions), Coffee (26 mentions)
- Secondary Characteristics: Twang (17), Citrus (16), Cream (16)
- Supporting Flavors: Nut (14), Tobacco (14), Leather (13), Chocolate (8), Spice (8), Toast (7)
- Subtle Undertones: Almond (5), Earth (5), Wood (5), Cedar (4), Mocha (4), Bitter Chocolate (3), Hay (3), Hazelnut (3)
- Occasional Notes: Cinnamon (2), Milk Chocolate (2), and single mentions of Biscuit, Funk, Honey, Maltesers, Marshmallow, Toffee, and Vanilla
Related Releases
Collectors and enthusiasts should be aware of two special editions related to this vitola:
- Montecristo No.1 Siglo XXI Millennium Humidor
- Montecristo No.1 Selección Box
The Montecristo No.1 remains a benchmark Cuban cigar that continues to represent the brand's commitment to quality and tradition. Its long production history and enduring popularity speak to its consistent construction and satisfying flavor profile that has stood the test of time.